Improving customer-supplier relationships, an outsider´s view

In days gone by the electric power system was considered by the user to be a steady, inexpensive and reliable source upon which almost any power-consuming apparatus could be placed. Over the years more power electronics has appeared in virtually every piece of hardware from the most sophisticated equipment down to what was once an ordinary electric drive motor. Today, that lowly motor has become linked to an adjustable speed drive. Computers are now protected by smart UPS units. Modern office buildings are filled with equipment which utilizes switch mode power supplies. Clearly, large-scale changes are being made to accommodate the rapid buildup of power electronics in every corner of commercial and industrial enterprise. This paper deals with today´s electrical environment and a wide range of problems which adversely affect users of power electronics equipment. The author has investigated cases where equipment is unable to operate in the electrical environment in which it was placed. Misapplications pointed out here are intended as constructive examples to illustrate how users and suppliers might make better equipment choices in the future and strengthen their business relationship as well. Product susceptibility for reclosers, capacitor switching, EMI, grounding, and harmonic interference is discussed. Product compatibility and support are also discussed